Prince rocks at Lord’s

By Tim O’Connor (HRV)

Prince Of Rock showed all of his grit and determination to deliver owner-trainer Daryl Crone and driver Tina Ridis a major career highlight during a special card of racing from Lord’s Raceway Bendigo last Friday night.

The Wishing Stone gelding won the rich $125,000 Haras des Trotteurs Nutrien Equine Classic (3YO Trotting Colts and Geldings) Final with a now-trademark front-running display.

Prince Of Rock had to work hard to find the early lead from barrier seven, but eventually wrest it from reigning Victorian 2YO Trotting Colt or Gelding of the Year The Locomotive and then held Wayne Potter’s multiple Group 1 winner at bay in the charge to the line.

In the end, he had nearly 2m to spare on the runner-up, with Stevie Gee getting home for third.

“I didn’t think I’d ever win a race like this, that’s for sure,” Ridis, 55, said.

“When Nathan (Jack, driver of The Locomotive) came up next to him I thought he was going to go right past him, but he felt he was there and he just fought on. He just keeps on going and wouldn’t let him past. It was super,” she said.

“He felt really strong. Once we got the lead he settled a little bit, but then he just wanted to run.

“It just suited him and I thought we’re not going to die wondering, we’ll just keep on going and see how we go.”

Prince Of Rock had failed to run a place in six career starts before winning his maiden in emphatic style at Bendigo on June 23. He backed it up with a whopping 39.8m victory at his next outing before Nutrien heat and final triumphs to make it four on end.

Father-and-son trainer-driver combination Colin and Brett Holloway were also celebrating a special result when No Telling Heather landed the Haras des Trotteurs Nutrien Equine Classic (2YO Trotting Fillies) Final.

TROTTING FINAL WINNERS

** $62,500 HARAS DES TROTTEURS NUTRIEN EQUINE CLASSIC (2YO TROTTING COLTS & GELDINGS) FINAL
– VALTINO (Blake Fitzpatrick/Greg Sugars)

** $125,000 HARAS DES TROTTEURS NUTRIEN EQUINE CLASSIC (3YO TROTTING FILLIES) FINAL
– TRADIE LADY (Emma Stewart/Mark Pitt)